Capitals, Wild and Kraken on the playoff bubble, Meier leads trade deadline targets, Auston Matthews next contract and will anyone ever catch Gretzky's all time scoring record?

As the unofficial second half begins, Rob, Jesse and Mike welcome Mike Rupp from NHL Network to discuss the push for the playoffs, the trade deadline, changing the playoff and overtime format and hear what Rupper thinks about Jacob Trouba having to fight, after throwing big time legal hits and what Auston Matthews might make in his next contract.

The guys also touch on Bo Horvat's new contract with the New York Islanders, what to do with the NHL All-Star game, what US Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh brings to the table when he takes over as the NHL players association Executive Director and on the heels of Lebron James setting the NBA's all-time scoring record, will anyone, ever catch Wayne Gretzky's NHL point record?

Subscribe to The Athletic Hockey Show on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@theathletichockeyshow

Get a 1-year subscription to The Athletic for $2 a month when you visit http://theathletic.com/hockeyshow

LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at http://LinkedIn.com/nhlshow

Get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at http://athleticgreens.com/NHL

Try Peloton risk-free with a 30-Day Home Trial, New Members only. Not available in remote locations. See additional terms at http://onepeloton.ca/home-trial

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices